It’s a phrase often heard in working circles: “How you earn it is how you keep it.” The meaning is plain yet profound; whatever means are used to obtain something will usually be the same means required to maintain it. If a thing is gained by deceit, then deceit must be continually employed to sustain it. If by violence, then violence must be sustained. If by manipulation, then manipulation becomes the norm.
And so it is in our relationship with Christ. How we enter into that relationship is how we are to remain in it. If we begin with works, then works will become the means by which we try to keep it. If by faith, then by faith it must be sustained. Paul wrote, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Colossians 2:6).
How, then, do we receive Christ?
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” KJV John 1:12
Did you notice that? “As many as received him…” and how did they receive Him? “…even to them that believe on his name.” They received Him by believing. But what is believing?
Elsewhere, Paul writes:
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.” — Romans 3:22
So then, those who believe on the name of Jesus Christ have the faith of Jesus Christ, and by this faith, they receive the righteousness of God.
The scriptural way to receive Christ is by faith—faith in His name, faith in His finished work, faith that brings us into right standing with God. And if we receive Him by faith, how then are we to abide in Him? By the very same faith.
If the righteousness of God is obtained by faith, how then is it to be kept? By faith. This is where many falter to their own spiritual loss. After receiving this gift of righteousness by faith, they attempt to preserve it through personal effort, good behavior or religious performance. But Paul warns of such an error:
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” KJV Romans 10:3
What were they ignorant of? The next verse tells us:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” — Romans 10:4
They misunderstood the way righteousness is maintained—not by works, not by effort, not by law-keeping, but by Christ Himself. And how is He received? Through faith.
Be reminded, child of God: The way you received the gift of righteousness is the way you keep it. The way? By faith. “As it is written, The just shall live by faith.” KJV Romans 1:17.
